More: Resolutions of inquiry have existed since the very first Congress to seek answers from the executive branch. If passed in the committee of jurisdiction, the resolution gains "privileged" status and goes directly to a full vote before the entire chamber.

The attempt to shut down the resolution of inquiry process outside of an emergency appears to be without precedent.

"Speaker Johnson is trying to blind Congress and take away one of the only tools where the majority of Representatives, unfiltered by party leadership, can conduct oversight," said Sean Vitka of Demand Progress, a watchdog group.